DIY For Kids at the 2010 National Hardware Show

The National Hardware Show can really be considered the "adult candy store" for the home improvement, gardening, and renovation crowd...and this year's show did not disappoint. However, while most of the "candy" is geared towards adults, kids were definitely NOT left out at this year's show.

Walking through the aisles, we were impressed by the numerous and strong offerings of products geared towards the budding DIY'er, including SpongeBob SquarePants Gardening Tools, Amber's Garden Ready-to-Plant Vegetable Garden Mats, and the i BUILD 2 suite of Kids' Power Tools and Accessories that actually cut building material and NOT skin!

i BUILD 2: Safe Power Tools for Young Builders was developed by nationally-known media personality and home improvement authority, Ron Hazelton. The i BUILD 2 suite of safe power tools for kids allows young crafters to build to their hearts' content without the risk of injury. The suite of six safe power tools includes a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, scroll saw, nail gun, and drill - all cut with the same oscillating technology originally designed to removed medical casts without harming the skin. Hundreds of project kits and accessories are available to inspire kids' creativity. Children 9 to 12 will love using these real power tools to build real projects, and will ultimately develop a life-long interest in home improvement, woodworking, and related hobbies.

Recommended by The National Gardening Association for the fastest and easiest way to start a summer garden, Amber’s Garden Ready-to-Plant Vegetable Garden Mats are quick, easy, and foolproof garden kits (biodegradable mats pre-seeded with a variety of vegetables) ideal for novice gardeners and parents who want to connect with and educate their children. Amber’s Garden offers seven varieties of vegetable kits: Asian, Herb, Salsa, Pumpkin, Salad, Rainbow Crop, and Summer Crop. Connie Henderson, founder of Amber’s Garden, commented “Children are natural gardeners. They're curious, like to learn by doing, and love to play in the dirt. My passion is really to create a simple and fun way for children to understand where their food comes from and how to eat healthy. This is important for all of us.”

SpongeBob SquarePants has a new line of gardening tools for young gardeners! Let your little one have fun and get creative in the garden this summer!

We also have to mention products we found for creatively enhancing your child's room! These products are a great way to embellish the nursery, playroom, or any room that can use a little fun:

1. Traceable Mural Kits - Safe and affordable wall covering alternatives to wallpaper, vinyl, and plain walls; these kits are simple to use - let the kids get involved to spruce up their play or living space!

   

2. Hott Art Heaters - Framed art that's a portable infrared space heater; it's revolutionary design is completely silent, highly-efficient, and mounts to the wall like a piece of framed art. Simply plug the cord into any outlet and you have a safe and colorful heater. Comes in many kid-friendly designs.

   

Note: as kid-friendly and safe as these products may be, always supervise your children's activities.